Electrical and mechanical alarm clocks with pulse-controlled position lamp



Dem 1 I J. KRISCHKER 3,545,195

- ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ALARM CLOCKS mu PULSE-CONTROLLED POSITION LAMP Filed April 11, 1968 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 lrwemar: knsokek D m 1970 J. KRISCHKER 3,545,195

ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ALARM CLOCKS WITH PULSE-CONTROLLED POSITION LAMP Filed April 11, 1968 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 8, 1970 J. KRISCHKER 3,545,195

ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ALARM CLOCKS WITH PULSECONTROLLED POSITION'LAMP Filed April 11, 1968 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 "United States Patent O 3,545,195 ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ALARM CLOCKS WITH PULSE-CONTROLLED POSI- TION LAMP Joseph Krischker, Affalterbach, Germany, assignor to Blessing-Werke KG., Feinbau, Waldkrich im Breisgau, Germany Filed Apr. 11, 1968, Ser. No. 721,56. Claims priority, application Germany, Apr. 29, 1967, K 62,185 Int. Cl. G04c 21/16 U.S. Cl. 58-19 6 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An arrangement in alarm clocks for flashing a lamp in conjunction with the alarm. At a predetermined instant of time when the alarm is to be sounded, a sequence of audible sounds is emitted at a predetermined frequency. A lamp is provided which flashes in between these intervals at which the audible sounds are emitted. A switching arrangement controls the flashing of the lamp in relation to the acoustical mechanism which emits the audible sounds for the alarm. This switching arrangement can be in the form of a mechanical switch actuated by the alarm device for emitting the audible sounds, or a transistor circuit. In the latter case, a capacitor is used in conjunction with the transistor. An auxiliary capacitor may also be applied to realize audible sounds and light flashes at different frequencies. The switching arrangement forms either a short-circuit path or an open circuit path across the lamp in a controlled fashion so that the lamp may flash at predetermined intervals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to electronic, electrical and mechanical alarm clocks, and in particular to those with electrical time mechanisms and mechanical alarm mechanisms, with electrical time and alarm mechanisms. and with mechanical time mechanisms and electrical alarm mechanisms, especially adapted for travel and small type of alarm.

Electrical illuminating arrangements forand with alarm clocks are known in the art. This also applies to the technical basic construction and the associated means, which differ from each other in the technical design directed to the particular utilization purpose.

The illumination of the dial face with the side effect of a light which makes perceptible the confines of a space, is of special significance in alarms. The actual use of such illumination resides in the possibility of marking the location of the alarm so that the latter may be readily found. At the same time, such illumination makes possible, where required, the stopping of the alarm signals in the dark. Thus, the danger of dropping the alarm clock while trying to stop the alarm in the dark is avoided, and damage to the clock mechanism resulting therefrom is prevented.

In clocks which are powered from utility outlets or from a battery having large capacity, illumination for this purpose is of no problem. Difficulties in realizing sufficient illumination arise from small alarm clocks in which the energy source is of small capacity. In still smaller alarm clocks (travel and case alarms) illumination is of a particular problem, when taking into account the current requirements for driving the electrical timing mechanism and the alarm or acoustical mecha nism as compared to the energy available from the prevailing energy source.

The small capacity of a correspondingly small battery Patented Dec. 8, 1970 ice is here insuflicient for operating a supplementary energy consuming device in the form of an illuminating lamp. From this basis the present invention is derived With the object to utilize the relatively small energy capacity available because of space considerations in small electrical alarm clocks, to the extent that the energy requirements for the timing mechanism as well as the alarm mechanism are covered. As a result, the present invention makes possible the operation of a supplementary illuminating arrangement or more precisely a lighting arrangement.

The light arrangement is not intended to be only a medium for denoting precisely the location of the object to be located, but it is also intended as a medium which offers particular perception characteristics.

The solution to the object of the present invention resides in properly distributing the load within the frame of the energy which is available for consumption. Thus, the energy users (driving mechanism, alarm mechanism, lighting) are not energized simultaneously, but are instead used alternately in sequence. This is basically achieved through pulse control of the energy consumers through the use of the intervals between pulses for the purpose of alternately switching the energy users or consumers from one to the other. With this arrangement sufficient energy is made available for the purpose of operating the preferable miniature incandescent lamp provided in conjunction with the present invention. The arrangement provides that the incandescent lamp flashes during the intervals between individual alarm pulses produced by an electromagnetic acoustical type of mechanism. This flashing of the incandescent lamp takes place during the period that the alarm is in operation. Thus, the flashing of the incandescent lamp follows the pulse frequency of the alarm section in rhythmatic correspondence.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An alarm clock in which the acoustical system is electromagnetically operated. The alarm system consists of a solenoid or electromagnet which operates an armature or hammer against a dish-shaped bell. Connected in series with the coil of the solenoid or electromagnet, is an incandescent lamp. A switching arrangement is connected in parallel with the lamp. The switching arrangement is actuated by the electromagnetic alarm system so that it progressively forms a short-circuit across the lamp or an open circuit. When the switching arrangement across the lamp is closed, the lamp is short-circuited and will not night. When, on the other hand, the switching arrangement is open, a voltage drop appears across the lamp and the latter lights. The arrangement is such that the lamp is short-circuited when the solenoid is energized, and is allowed to light when the solenoid is not energized to the extent that it operates the associated armature.

The novel features of the invention which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is an electrical schematic diagram showing the components and their interconnections of one embodiment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an electrical schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention in which a transistor is included in the switching arrangement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic and functional diagram of a further embodiment of the present invention including a manually operated selector switch for carrying out the novel functions of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows the front view of an alarm clock when mounted within a case, as used for traveling purposes, and shows a possible location for the flashing incandescent lamp, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. is a side view of the clock shown in FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The position lamp is situated at a unique location of the dial face. The lamp is connected either across a contact i in FIG. 1, or across the collector and emitter of a transistor in FIG. 2. The electromagnetic acoustical mechanism lies connected in the emitter circuit of the transistor in the conventional manner, and is connected in series with the incandescent lamp. When the transistor is turned on or in the conducting state, the acoustical mechanism is energized. When, on the other hand, the transistor is turned off or in the non-conducting state, the position lamp has current applied to it. This results from the considerably larger voltage drop appearing across the latter due to the relatively low resistance of the acoustical mechanism.

Through alternating use of the energy in the path of the pulse control circuit, a particular illuminating eifect is achieved. The resulting effect corresponds to a startype illuminating flash.

A further surprising light effect results when a second ringing or alarm frequency follows a first one after, for example, ten seconds. This occurs through means of a suddenly charged capacitor C1 connected in conjunction with a capacitor C, having 100 f. (long interval) and a subsequent slow discharge. This switching of capacitor C1 results from a release spring associated with a conventional alarm time control.

The spring pressure of this spring is exerted upon a spring contact arrangement KS2 having contacts 1, 2 and 3 as shown for example, in FIG. 3. Through the parallel arrangement of capacitors C1 and C, a second alarm frequency is achieved following the first one. This second alarm frequency is to be five to six times lower. Additional alarm frequencies may be realized through the application of additional capacitors. With reduced pulse frequency, the eye distinguishes this light effect as a short pulse-type periodic flash.

FIG. 3 shows a manual switch S1 for the purpose of being selectively set to one switching state alarm operative and to the other switching stage alarm stop. In two intermediate stages two alarm frequencies are audible as provided in the exemplary embodiment. As a result, the alarm section is controlled.

In addition, this arrangement functions as a psychological-physiological attraction. It is generally known that particular properties or characteristics of the mind inhibit perception of external influences to a predetermined level of insensitivity, particularly while sleeping. The situation of sleeping through an alarm is well known. Through the optical medium of the illuminating arrangement, the acoustical signals are supplemented with regard to the perception characteristics. As a result, two distinguishable arousing means in effect and appearance form are oifered to the psyche not at the same time, but in sequence. Thus, the perception capacity is made better use of.

The present invention is of advantage also for mechani cal and electrical clocks which have only a mechanical alarm mechanism which is manually wound. The rhythmatic kinematic pulses from the signal mechanisms in clocks, are preferably generated during the intervals between pulses for the purpose of switching contacts and/ or transistor control in the conventional manner through the mechanical, magnetic or electrical actuation of individual components of the acoustical section of the clock mechanism.

Further technical aspects of the present invention are as follows:

In accordance with the present invention, the position lamp is connected in parallel with the contact which as already mentionedcloses and opens the circuit of the acoustical mechanism. This switch can consist of a single contact, a transistor or another electrical or electronic component adapted for this purpose. A group of electronic components may also be used for the purpose of this switch.

FIG. 1 shows a single contact as the example of the simplest form of a switching arrangement in accordance with the present invention.

AT=stop-butt0n t=alarm time contact i pulse contact M electromagnetic actuating audible alarm mechanism P position lamp When the time for sounding the alarm has been attained, the alarm time contact is closed and the electromagnet M of the actuating mechanism is energized. The contact i interrupts the current circuit in a pulsating manner and at periodic intervals. Contact i can be controlled through the clock mechanism or through the electromagnet M itself in the same manner that the armature and hammer of a conventional bell is controlled by the electromagnet of the bell (Wagner hammer). The operation of such conventional bell is clearly illustrated by the Armed Forces publication EM 404, Physics, Course 3, Electricity (Textbook and Workbook), at page 94. The position lamp PL is connected in parallel with the contact i. The resistance values of the position lamp and the electromagnet M are chosen so that when the position lamp PL lights, the armature of the electromagnet is not attracted or actuated. Thus, the position lamp PL is of high ohmic value in relation to the electromagnet M. The electromagnet M serves, in this manner, as a resistor which causes the current through the lamp to drop below a predetermined desired value. As a result, the operating life of the position lamp is considerably increased. The advantage of the circuit arrangement resides in the condition that no additional circuit elements or electronic components whatsoever are required in conjunction with the position lamp. This implies that the position lamp can be installed in every clock with electrical alarm system. The circuit arrangement can also be installed subsequently in mechanisms which are serially produced or in series production.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a circuit arrangement for an electrical alarm system in which the pulsing contact in FIG. 1 is replaced through a transistor. The system corresponds to a conventional D.C. bell with Wagner hammer. The electromagnet M actuates the armature or hammer of the bell dish and the contact.

When the contact 1' is closed, by not being attracted to the electromagnet M, the transistor T is in the conducting state and the electromagnet M attracts the armature. At the same time, that the armature is attracted the contact i interrupts the base current path of the transistor T, the hammer or armature drops off and strikes the bell. The contact i then closes, and the process begins anew. When the transistor is in the conducting state, the position lamp is short-circuited. When, on the other hand, the transistor is turned off or cut off, the position lamp PL has current applied to it by way of the electromagnet M, and as a result the lamp lights. The lamp current, however, is not sufiicient to energize the magnet M.

It is an object of the capacitor C to discharge through the base-emitter path and the electromagnet M when the contact i is open, and thereby maintain the transistor in the conducting state for an extended period of time. This is when contact i has already interrupted the base current circuit. Capacitor C thus reduces the striking frequency to the desired value.

In FIG. 3 the invention is shown in conjunction with an arrangement having an electrically motor wound alarm clock. The functional aspects may be derived from the circuit arrangement in conjunction with the preceding description.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a complete travel case with an alarm arrangement in accordance with the circuit embodiment of FIG. 3. In the construction and arrangement of the invention, the position lamp and other external features as, for example, the manual switch S1 are visible.

As mentioned above, it is preferably advantageous to use a miniature incandescent lamp. The selection is to be such that its power requirements are matched in relation to the energy needs for the transistor being used and the acoustical mechanism.

In further development of the present invention, the position lamp can be situated at any position on the dial face. Since, however, the lamp is not to be primarily an illuminating lamp, it can be mounted also at another location as, for example, at the upper exterior portion of the housing of the alarm clock from which it may project.

In order to increase the light intensity, the position lamp may be provided for this purpose with a collimating lens or diaphragm or lamp shield.

In particular instances the position lamp may be mounted within the alarm clock mechanism, somewhat behind the dial face. However, the lamp is exposed to the exterior through a small window, so that the light beam is limited to a predetermined angle.

By locating the position lamp in the field of the dial face, it can project by a small amount from the dial face and periodically illuminate the numerals, pointers and other symbols which are fluorescent in the conventional alarm clocks, by providing light energy to them.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of alarm clocks differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in an alarm clock, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:

1. An alarm clock comprising, in combination, timing means for registering the passage of time; electromagnetic alarm means emitting acoustical sounds at periodic intervals when said timing means registers a predetermined instant of time; a source of energy connected to said electromagnetic alarm means for operating the same; lamp means connected in series with said electromagnetic alarm means and said source of energy; and switching means connected in parallel with said lamp means and actuated by said electromagnetic alarm means, whereby said switching means forms a short-circuit across said lamp means and inhibits the lighting of said lamp means when said electromagnetic alarm means is operated and said switching means opens said short-circuit across said lamp means during said periodic intervals between said acoustical sounds emitted by said electromagnetic alarm means.

2. The alarm clock as defined in claim 1, wherein said switching means comprises a mechanical switch actuated periodically by said electromagnetic alarm means.

3. The alarm clock as defined in claim 1, wherein said switching means comprises a transistor with emittercollector path connected in parallel with said lamp means.

4. The alarm clock as defined in claim 3, including capacitor means connected to the base of said transistor.

5. The alarm clock as defined in claim 3 including first and second capacitor means for connecting to said electromagnetic alarm means; and selector switching means connected to said capacitor means for connecting said first and second capacitor means selectively to said electromagnetic alarm means for varying the durations of said periodic intervals in the operation of said electromagnetic alarm means.

6. The alarm clock as defined in claim 5 including means on said selector switching means for turning off the alarm of said alarm clock.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 23,261 8/1950 Parissi 58-19 3,407,402 10/1968 Morrison et a1. 5819X FOREIGN PATENTS 1,360,333 1964 France 58-l9 208,213 1940 Switzerland 58--19 RICHARD B. WILKINSON, Primary Examiner JOHN F. GONZALES, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 5838 

